CHY 4U: Breaking News from 1517

Since I have taught some of you before, you have probably been thinking to yourself something like “Hey (insert your name here)! Do you remember when Mr. Pedrech used to make us produce all of those crazy audio-visual extravaganzas? I wonder why we haven’t done any of those yet.”

Today is your lucky day.

Today and tomorrow, we will examine the impact that Martin Luther had on Christianity and, consequently, world history. You will work in small groups and create a 4 minute skit based on the criteria below. On Thursday, you will record your skit; your skit will be shown in the second half of the period.
The Criteria:

Each group of students chooses 1 topic (First come, first serve)

The content for the skits comes from the online course OR the relevant pages in the old textbook. Make sure you concentrate on those pages that connect to your topic; you are not responsible for ALL pages. If you scan the pages, you will find what you need.

You must have a full script ready by tomorrow. Get as much done as you can during this period.

Your script must contain at least 5 specific references that will help the audience understand the period better. Remember, you goal is to teach each other. Do your best to explain key ideas meaningfully.

You are allowed one cameraperson in your group. Everyone else needs to be in the skit.

Here are your options:

An Expose: Corruption in the Church Power tends to attract the corrupt and the self-serving. The Church’s status as the only truly international organization of the era made it an attractive choice for unscrupulous types; some priests and bishops had more in common with ruthless landlords and embezzlers than with Christ. In this brief expose, your reporter will uncover some of the charges of corruption that have been made against the Church.

This Just In: A German Monk Angry, Starts Nailing Arguments to Church Door Martin Luther, incensed by corruption and a few key Church practices, posted his complaints on a church door. In this breaking story, your reporter will report live from the steps of the church in Wittenberg.

Ongoing Coverage: What Is With All These Conversions? Sure, many converts to Luther’s version of Christianity believed he was right about the Church. Some, however, may have had other motives for the big switch. In this segment, news anchors will discuss the sudden wave of conversion that is sweeping across Northern Europe.

A Candid Interview: The Church Responds to the Reformation In this heated debate, the leaders of the Church fire back at the Protestants. Who will win the debate? It is difficult to say. The Church, however, has brought a secret weapon: a new kind of monk whose sole purpose is to bring Europe back to the Church: the Jesuits. In this segment, the Church will explain the role of these monks, and what they hope to accomplish.

Point/Counterpoint: Catholicism vs. Protestantism In this debate show, representatives from both sides will argue who is closer to God. Come armed with your best evidence!